Experts have pointed out the need to increase the representation of women in the formal economy in order to increase their role in economic, environmental and social development.

Speaking at the inaugural session of Across Barriers-International Business Women’s Summit organised by the South Asian Women Development Forum (SAWDF) in Kathmandu, they called for greater representation of women in businesses and decision-making positions in the region. “Nepal has made impressive improvements towards gender equality with women holding key decision-making posts in the country,” said Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, addressing the inaugural session of the two-day event on Monday. “We are committed to increasing women’s participation in entrepreneurship too.”

Pramila Acharya Rijal, president of the SAWDF, said the summit would offer a unique opportunity to hold business meetings with members of the visiting international business delegations from the Saarc and Asean regions and China.

“Prospects in tourism, information technology, agriculture and textiles will be explored during the two-day event,” said Rijal. “The main idea behind the event is to create awareness about entrepreneurship among women.” 

The objective of the event, according to the organizer, is to bring people from different sectors to a single platform to share their skills and ideas. The event will also showcase different domestic and international products.

The summit aims to become a regional hub for networking and connecting women-led small and medium-sized enterprises to explore opportunities for cooperation and joint investments.